Volume 6 Issue 1 - 2012 (7)

The festive season would be over by the time this issue reaches you. We certainly need glad tidings. There are national and international calamities disrupting our economic and health related wellbeing. The Greek economic crisis may well have enveloped Italy and other Eurozone countries with the detrimental effect on the EU economy. As about 40% of UK exports are to Europe this will undoubtedly have a major negative impact on our GDP and therefore on public services. The austerity measures introduced by the government have prevented a financial UK meltdown but at what cost? The NHS will lose £20 billion over 5 years and all other public key sectors are similarly affected, education, welfare, police, councils. However, let us not forget the less obvious targets for reductions in support, such as children’s services, domestic violence….

Many people, especially non-Causcasians, have difficulty breaking down lactose (the sugar in milk) after early childhood. It results in gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain and diarrhoea following ingestion of milk and milk products, known as lactose intolerance. Lactose intolerance is easily managed by simple dietary modification.

Friendly, non-judgmental ‘one-stop’ services enable young people to access sexual and reproductive healthcare. Contraceptive advice should be comprehensive, addressing the young person’s needs and priorities with appropriate follow-up. Evaluating competence to consent and discussing confidentiality are core aspects of the adolescent sexual health consultation, in addition to identifying any safeguarding concerns.